Tax Tips: IRS Warns About 'Dirty Dozen' Scams

The Dirty Dozen list highlights scams taxpayers can encounter at any point during the year, but which often peak during tax time.

The following is from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The Internal Revenue Service has issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud. The Dirty Dozen listing, compiled by the IRS each year, lists a variety of common scams taxpayers can encounter at any point during the year. But many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns. "This tax season, the IRS has stepped up its efforts to protect taxpayers from a wide range of schemes, including moving aggressively to combat identity theft and refund fraud," said IRS Acting Commissioner Steven T…

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When Can I File My 2012 Tax Return?

The IRS has announced a delayed start to the 2012 tax filing season.

You'll have to wait a bit if you are used to filing your annual tax return at the earliest possible date. The Internal Revenue Service has revised its opening date for tax season—pushing it eight days to Jan. 30, 2013. The tax filing deadline is Monday, April 15. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on Jan. 30, 2013. Most taxpayers should be able to file on that date though some revised forms may not be immediately available. You can blame the delay on the federal "fiscal cliff" crisis and the new tax bill Congress passed just after Dec. 31. You can find more information in this Forbes article. Electronic filing season was originally set to start on Jan. 22 this year. As a result of the delay, nobody will get a refund in January, an H&…

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Patch Facts

Five Things: IRS Office in Stoneham Closed Friday

Check out the Five Things column for Aug. 17.

1. Temporary closure: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office located at 1 Montvale Ave. in Stoneham will be closed Friday due to a temporary shortage in staffing, according to an IRS spokesperson. The office was also closed on Thursday. The office is expected to resume its normal schedule on Monday. 2. Two shows: The young company is expected to perform "Legally Blonde" and "Zanna, Don't!" at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, on Friday at Stoneham Theatre. The shows are part of the young company's Summer Festival. To purchase tickets, visit the Box Office website or call them at 781-279-2200. 3. In case you missed it: Stoneham police responded to three calls for breaking and entering into motor vehicles recently, according to our police …

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IRS Office in Stoneham Closed Thursday and Friday

The office, which is typically open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and closed from 1-2 p.m. Monday through Friday, will be closed Aug. 16-17.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Taxpayer Assistance Center, 1 Montvale Ave., in Stoneham will be closed Thursday and Friday, according to an email from an IRS spokesperson. The office, which is typically open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and closed from 1-2 p.m. Monday through Friday, will be closed Aug. 16-17. "(The office is closed those days) due to a staffing shortage," wrote IRS spokesperson Peggy Riley in an email to Stoneham Patch. "Employees have training and vacation time in the summer months and for those two days we do not have coverage and need to close the office.  "Traditionally, we schedule training and vacation time for the taxpayer assistance employees during the summer months when the offices are not as busy. Taxpayers can…

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Should Olympians Be Taxed for Winning?

Do you think Olympic champions should be taxed on their medals and prize earnings?

The Olympics are a celebration of athleticism and pride for your country. But when those Olympians return home to the U.S. with their medals, they can expect a little more than a congratulations from the IRS. According to the Huffington Post, Olympians' medals and prize money are both subject to income tax. A gold medal, which is worth $650, according to CNN, could cost athletes about $236 in taxes. While a bronze metal, which is worth $5, could only cost an athlete $2 in taxes. In addition, the U.S. Olympic Organizing Committee will award London champions $25,000 for a gold medal, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for bringing home a bronze, Reuters reports. Huffington Post reported that at a 35 percent income tax rate, bronze medalists will…

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